Are you growing your YouTube channel and putting efforts on posting quality content, however still not get veriifcation badge? If yes, then this guide is just for you. Here, we’ll discuss in detail what the YouTube verification means and what the requirements are. We’ll share a detailed step-by-step guideline on how to get verified on YouTube. Moreover, you’ll get the tips to increase the chances of getting verified. Keep reading!
What does YouTube verification mean?
YouTube verification is indeed an official identity verification that confirms the YouTube channel represents the real creator, brand, or organization.
It’s worth noting that whenever the channel gets verified, the platform automatically adds a small grey checkmark next to a channel name. Many people confuse this verification with monetization that YouTube has endorsed for a channel to produce high-quality content. However, it’s not the case that the verification badge is just for authenticity.
Let’s have a look at the table below to understand the differences!
| YouTube Verification | YouTube Monetization | |
| Purpose | Confirms the channel’s identity | Allows the creator to earn money |
| Badge / Indicator | Gray checkmark next to channel name | Monetization status in YouTube Studio |
| Main benefit | Builds trust and prevents impersonation | Generates income from content |
| Eligibility | Based on authenticity and public presence | Based on subscribers, watch hours and policy compliance |
| Required for the other? | Not required for monetization | Not required for verification |
YouTube verification requirements you must meet
If you’re having the YouTube channel, you might be wondering how to get verified. If so, don’t worry we’re here to help you. To gain the verification badge, you have to do some effort because YouTube usually set requriemets which everyone has to meet. Let’s understand them!
i) Minimum 100,000 subscribers: The very first thing is that you must have at least 1 million subscribers on your YouTube channel. This indeed confirms that you have a strong online presence, and most of the people are admiring your content.
So if you want to be in the running for verification, engage with your viewers through comments and community posts, and be the active presence that YouTube wants its users to be.
ii) Channel must be authentic: Next, YouTube checks whether the channel represents a real creator/brand or is impersonating others. That’s why your channel name, content, etc. should clearly match your real identity or official business.
For instance, a sports channel probably needs to stay away from home cooking advice. If you’ve reached 1million subscribers, you’re probably already pretty good at this. This step also helps YouTube protect viewers from fake accounts or scams.
iii) The channel must be complete: In addition, your channel profile must be complete to look professional. For instance, it must include the following things;
- A clear profile photo
- A properly designed banner image
- A detailed channel description
- Public videos that reflect your content and identity
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How to get verified on YouTube? (Step-by-step guide)
Now, if you think that you’ve met the above-mentioned requirements its time to apply for your verification badge. Stay calm! Before applying for verification you’ve to make sure your YouTube account is linked to a legitimate phone number. Here’s how!
Steps to verify the phone number
Step 1. Simply go to your YouTube account settings and look for the “Verify phone number” option. Just tap it and follow the prompts.
Step 2. After this you’ll receive a verification code via text message. Now, enter this code on the screen to complete phone verification.
Apply for the verification badge
Once your phone number gets verified you can submit a badge verification request. Let’s see how you can do it!
- Step 1. Sign in to your YouTube Studio.
- Step 2. Next, you’ll click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner. From the drops dwon menue select the settings menu.
- Step 3. Under settings, go for the Channel, and select “Feature eligibility.”
- Step 4. Here look for the “Apply for channel verification” section or soon.
- Step 5. Click “Apply” and fill out the application form. This form would ask for your channel name and ID. You can find your channel ID in YouTube’s advanced settings. It will make things easier and quicker for everyone if you provide accurate information.
- Step 6. Once you submit your application, now you have to wait because the review process can even take a few weeks. After all, according to the recent Global Media Insights report, YouTube has almost 2.7 billion monthly users. This way, there would be millions of account verification applications that the company had to review.
Keep in mind that YouTube only verifies channels with 100,000+ subscribers, though it’s a pretty high threshold. However, if you’re not there yet focus on growing your audience first.
It’s advisable that while you’re waiting, keep creating great content and engaging with your audience. Don’t repeatedly submit applications because this won’t speed things up. Just be patient and trust your application will succeed. If your application get rejected, YouTube will explain the reasons and you can resubmit after 30 days.
Can kids get verified on YouTube?
Kids generally don’t get verified, just like the adult creators do. This is because, as mentioned earlier, for YouTube verification, users must have 1 million subscribers or their profile must be authentic. Additionally, users must be at least 13 years old or above, this way it would be difficult for young kids personal accounts to have a verification badge.
Is kids’ use of YouTube safe?
Although YouTube provides a wealth of knowledge and entertainment, at the same time it may expose kids to potential risks. Let’s understand some major risks that parents must be aware of!
Exposure to inappropriate content: First of all even when kids do not search for bad videos, still they may encounter inappropriate content. This is owing to the YouTube algorithm that suggests content based on watching. Pew Research Centre has conducted a survey in which 46% of parents revealed child age 11 or younger have come across bad videos on YouTube.
Targeted ads and data privacy: Besides the content itself, the YouTube platfrom being free rely on advertisement network to earn money. Howvere the concerning point is that these ads may be inappropriate for kids like ads for horror films, adult video games, or advertisements for junk food.
Hidden or misleading content: In addition, nowadays, there are many controversial videos found on YouTube/YouTube Kids (Elsagate) that parents must be aware of. These usually contain false information, scams or hidden adult themes hidden in cartoons or popular kids’ characters.
Risk of Cyberbullying: It’s worth noting that the comments section/live video chats available on YouTube open the doors for talking to other unknown users. This way, people having bad intentions may try to harass the kids, affecting their mental well-being and overall personality.
Screen addiction and overuse: As stated previously, YouTube serves as a major platform, giving kids access to a wide variety of global content. This way it is more likely that kids may get lost while exploring YouTube. Howevre this excessive screen time isn’t good for their health.
This is becasue in addition to being tired, they may even become unfocused or sad as they begin to compare themselves to others. As a result kids would detach themselves from other real-life activities, which are extremely important for both mental and physical health.
Tips to get verified on YouTube faster
If you think you get a verification badge on YouTube tonight, it’s just a nightmare. Because it takes time however, by following the right strategies, your chances may increase. Let’s dive in!
Focus on high-quality, consistent content: Post content on your YouTube channel on a regular basis. At the same time, make sure that each video provides value whether its educational, entertaining or so on. Keep in mind that consistent yet quality content would give the impression to the platform that your account is active and authentic one.
Build audience trust instead of chasing viral trends: Additionally, you have to think about your audience because these are the only one that reach you at your destination. That’s why instead of following just trends, do focus on creating valuable content that your audience would rely on and even wait for your next video.
Avoid buying subscribers or engagement: One important thing to note is that you must try to build an organic audience. This is because artificial subscribers or likes, comments is against the terms of services causing removal of account verification.
How parents help children?
When it comes to kids, parents need to be extravagant and help children to safely grow their channel.
Review content before publishing: Ask your children that befre uploading any video on their YouTube channel they first come to you. This way you would make sure that videos are appropriate or not reveal any personal info.
Moreover, ensure it aligns with YouTube’s community guidelines, such as avoiding hate speech, explicit material, or misleading content. This would take a few seconds but prevent your kids from suffering any online potential danger.
Set clear rules for collaborations and sponsorships: Furthermore, if your kid collaborates with other creators or even is involved in sponsored content, guide them on what is safe. Discuss with them which type of brands or products are appropriate to promote at this age. Tell them to avoid becoming apart of any misleading ads and explain to them the importance of transparency.
Monitor comments and community posts: Keep an eye on your kids commnet section and the type of posts they are interacting with. YouTube allow users to turn off comments entirely or approve them before they are visible. This way, any kind of mean comments would not get to your child, giving them mental ease.
FAQs
Generally, no YouTube verifies only those channels that have at least 1 million subscribers. This is because verification is only for established channels representing any brand, real creator, etc. This way, new or even small channels don’t come in the list.
Phone verification is a basic account setup process to confirm your phone number is real. This way, you would unlock more features like uploading longer videos or live streaming. On the other hand, the channel verification is a formal procedure that YouTube does to verify your channel authenticity to ensure transparency.
Keep in mind that having a grey checkmark wouldn’t directly increase your subscribers or views. However, this indeed helps build trust with your audience, giving them the impression that your account is authentic. This way, it indirectly supports the channel just by encouraging more people to follow you.
Absolutely. The YouTube verification badge is permanent as long as you comply with YouTube’s terms of service. However, it would remove this mark if your account remain inactive fora long time or violates the guidelines.
